The past few years had been difficult, but with Marlene and you in his life, Barret thought he would finally be able to breathe. He’d dreamt of moving somewhere quaint with just the two of you, focusing all his attention on showering you both with his love. And somewhere, much later down the line, maybe he would’ve been ready to have another kid. But this was too early.

“You’re really pregnant?” he repeats after your words have sunk in. Part of Barret is overjoyed at the prospect of starting a family with you, but he feels conflicted about doing this to Marlene. Barret sits down, sagging heavily against the inn’s couch. While everyone had gone off to enjoy themselves in Kalm, you’d asked for a moment alone with Barret, and now… this. “Don’t get me wrong, sweetheart, I’m happy,” he says, giving you a weak smile. He just isn’t sure he deserves to move on when his failures still cling to him like this. “Some reaction, huh?”